‘I Wanna Be On Broadway’ to open
After six weeks of intense rehearsals, the Draper Arts Council Youth Review “I Wanna Be On Broadway” will open Oct. 13 at Summit Academy.
“Wanna” is written and directed by Bruce Craven, with Andrea Casdorph Fife providing music direction and Torri Johnson choreography. In this delightful show a young girl (Grace Weaver) interrupts a Broadway production, wanting to be in it. The “production team” of Sophie Long, Sarah Kelley, Grant Croshaw, Trevor McCullough and Emily Dahl take The Girl step by step through the evolution of a show. They teach her everything she needs to know to be fabulous herself. The cast (and the audience) has to think about lighting, sound, sets and all the other things that go into making a Broadway musical.
Teaching The Girl, the cast members learned a lot themselves. Sarah Kelley says “I love it! I have had so much fun pretending to choreograph this show.”
The revue features a cast of more than 80 young singers and dancers, presenting songs from “Annie,” “Cats,” “Oliver,” “The Sound of Music” and many other beloved Broadway shows. Megan and Kara Atkisson are just two of the singers from Draper. Kara Atkisson said “The directors are really talented teachers, but they are also really good at making rehearsals fun. This show has been really fun to be a part of.”
And that fun shows through in the energy behind the show.
“Most of the players in this show are from Draper,” Director Craven said. “Draper just has so much talent, and it shows in the quality of the cast.”
Music Director Andrea Fife agrees.
“I know many of these kids from my days living and performing in Draper—or at least their older brothers and sisters,” she said. “It’s great being back here, and seeing what great family entertainment Draper can provide.”
Choreographer Torri Johnson explains her approach to the dancing in this show.
“I like to provide movement that shows the kids’ talent and gives them confidence that they can perform to their best ability,” she said.
The dancers she has to work with include Charlene Wilde and Rhyan Healey, who have competed in national competitions.
“I Wanna Be On Broadway” will run four nights, Oct. 13, 14, 15 and 17 at 7 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Oct. 15. Summit Academy is located at 1225 East 13200 South. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the DAC website, www.draperartscouncil.org. All seats are $7, but group discounts are available. For more information, patrons can visit the website or email info@draperartscouncil.org.
